One of the oldest forest reserves in Singapore

Must-see

Getting around

Best for

Our Review

Let’s start big picture. What’s the vibe here?Less than eight miles from the city center is this 403-acre reserve named after Singapore’s highest hill, Bukit Timah. The reserve is rich in tropical foliage, in fact, 40 percent of the flora and fauna here is native to Malaya. There are four routes for hikers: two easy, one moderate, and one difficult. There’s also a designated mountain biking trail with some extremely challenging sections.

Fun! Any standout features or must-sees?People don’t come here for a rewarding view at the summit; they come to immerse themselves in jungle greenery.

Got it. Was it easy to get around?The park is easy to navigate but the trails can get extremely crowded, especially on weekends and public holidays. The closest you’ll find to peace and quiet is on an early morning weekday when the weather will be (slightly) cooler and if you’re lucky, monkeys, monitor lizards, and colorful birds will be out. The summit is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible but has a steep ascent.

That sounds cool. All said and done, what—and who—is this best for?This reserve is extremely popular with Singaporeans as it's the closest they have to a real nature escape without traveling too far. It's not ideal for hikers and trekkers looking for a remote trek—most people here are urbanites seeking a break from the steel, glass, and concrete of city life.